Program Overview

Major ID: 368D

Program Start Dates: Fall

The sheet metal worker reads blueprints, prepares layouts, and operates fabricating devices such as special hand tools, power shears, nibbler, brake, bar folder, turning machines, spot and arc welders, soldering equipment, and plasma cutting systems. The skilled sheet metal worker gathers general information and specifications from blueprints for the fabrication and installation of ducts for heating, cooling, filtering, and humidifying air. Also, sheet metal workers fabricate and install metal roofing and siding, stainless steel equipment for homes and industry, chutes for material transfer, signs, and rain dispersal equipment.

Satisfactory preparation for the sheet metal program may include high school courses in algebra and geometry. Other helpful courses are mechanical drafting and metal shop. Much of the sheet metal work starts with two-dimensional objects and ends with a three-dimensional product. Sheet metal work requires good spatial perception.

Career Opportunities

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of sheet metal workers in construction is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations. Graduates may go to work for firms that fabricate sheet metal products and become skilled production, precision, or construction sheet metal workers.

Program Outcomes

1. Graduates will have the knowledge and skills to layout, fabricate, and assemble all types of sheet metal products.
2. Graduates will have the ability to safely operate all types of sheet metal fabricating equipment.
3. Graduates will have the knowledge and skills to complete sheet metal welding and soldering processes.
4. Graduates will have the knowledge and skills to use computer-aided drafting for the design and fabrication of sheet metal products.
5. Graduates will have the knowledge and skills to use drafting and blueprint reading to design HVAC duct systems.

Program Faculty

Viangsavanh Paborriboon
viangsavanh.paborriboon@saintpaul.edu 651.846.1367

Special supplies, tools, and estimated costs

The cost of tools for the program is approximately $300-$500. Program faculty will discuss the required tools on the first day of class. Contact the program faculty for more information.

Full-time enrollment is required

Students must be enrolled full-time with a cohort of students. Technical courses only offered during days.